Pioneer Square Labs has established a new Technical Advisory Board to provide support for the early-stage companies in its startup studio and venture fund portfolio. The TAB consists of top researchers from the University of Washington, executives from tech giants, and experienced startup operators. Some of the notable members include Ed Lazowska, Yejin Choi, Ali Farhadi, Lili Cheng, Shwetak Patel, Joe Beda, Bharat Shah, Jesse Rothstein, and Diego Oppenheimer. These members will work closely with PSL’s internal staff and associated startups to offer guidance on technology themes and support company sourcing and diligence.
The creation of the Technical Advisory Board was driven by Pioneer Square Labs’ recent focus on AI. The firm believes that AI will play a fundamental role in changing the technology landscape, from infrastructure to applications. By adding world-class expertise to the board, PSL aims to develop its theses and collaborate with entrepreneurs in these spaces. The board, consisting of nine members, will receive equity in PSL’s venture fund and meet regularly to provide support and guidance.
PSL raised $20 million for its third fund last year to support its startup studio, which has already spun out more than 35 companies including Boundless, Recurrent, and SingleFile. The PSL Ventures fund, which raised $100 million in 2021, invests in PSL studio spinouts, but does not lead investment rounds in those companies. However, it does lead rounds in external non-studio companies. Earlier this year, PSL formed a co-investing partnership with Silicon Valley venture firm Mayfield to fund AI-focused startups, further expanding its reach and impact in the technology industry.
The members of the Technical Advisory Board bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to Pioneer Square Labs. Ed Lazowska, the chair of the board, is a professor and the Bill & Melinda Gates Chair Emeritus at the University of Washington’s computer science school. Yejin Choi holds the Wissner-Slivka Chair at the UW’s computer science school and is a senior research director at the Allen Institute for Artificial Intelligence. Ali Farhadi, the CEO of Ai2 and a professor at the UW’s computer science school, is also part of the board along with other accomplished individuals from Microsoft, Google, and other leading companies.
PSL Managing Director Greg Gottesman highlighted the importance of AI in shaping the future of technology and expressed the firm’s commitment to investing in deeper technologies at the forefront of this change. The board, modeled after similar programs at other venture firms, provides a platform for top-notch entrepreneurs to collaborate with experts in the field and leverage their insights to drive innovation and growth. With a focus on AI and a strong network of mentors, Pioneer Square Labs is well-positioned to support startups and drive technological advancements in the industry.
By establishing the Technical Advisory Board, Pioneer Square Labs aims to enhance its support system for early-stage companies and provide valuable guidance and mentorship to entrepreneurs. The board members, with their diverse backgrounds and expertise, bring a unique perspective and insight into the rapidly evolving technology landscape. Through regular meetings and equity incentives, PSL’s venture fund and associated startups will benefit from the wealth of knowledge and experience that the board has to offer, driving innovation and success in the tech startup ecosystem.
